John O'farrell explores the surprising history of the different kinds of exam, and our relationship with them.In the first programme he finds out why, for centuries, Oxbridge finals were all done out loud - complete with a jester.Plus, examiners and pupils reveal how they deal with this most upfront, unforgiving form of examination.Producer: Phil Tinline.John O'farrell explores why for centuries Oxbridge finals were done out loud.He eavesdrops on the strange history of spoken tests.He discovers why for centuries Oxbridge finals were done out loud, complete with a jester, and why they were so popular in the Soviet Union.Examiners and pupils reveal how they deal with this most unforgiving form of examination.

02

Timed Essays

20070327

2007111320101123 (R4)

John O'farrell explores the surprising history of the different kinds of exam, and our relationship with them.In the second programme he finds out why the very idea of timed literary examinations caused a small war in the Victorian Establishment - and how the timed essay has since shaped the way the British power elite thinks.Plus, examiners and pupils reveal how they deal with this demanding form of examination.Producer: Phil Tinline.John finds out why timed examinations caused a small war in the Victorian establishment.John finds out why the very idea of timed literary examinations caused a small war in the Victorian establishment and how the format has since shaped the way the British power elite thinks.Examiners and pupils reveal how they deal with this demanding form of examination.

03

Multiple Choice

20070403

2007111420101124 (R4)

John O'farrell explores the unexpected history of the different kinds of exam, and our relationship with them.In the third programme he finds out how multiple choice was first used to test US soldiers during the First World War.And why America has relied surprisingly heavily ever since on a test that values objective judgements of the masses over quirky individuality.Plus, examiners on the art of writing the wrong questions, and pupils on trying to avoid the pitfalls of this most slippery of tests.Producer: Phil Tinline.Multiple choice was first used to test US soldiers during the First World War.It was first used to test US soldiers during the First World War.America has relied ever since on a system that values objective judgments of the masses over quirky individuality.Examiners discuss the art of writing the wrong questions and pupils talk about trying to avoid the pitfalls of this most slippery of tests.

04

Coursework

20070410

2007111520101125 (R4)

John O'farrell explores the unexpected history of the different kinds of exam, and our relationship with them.In the fourth programme he finds out how exam work spread beyond school sports halls and into pupils' homes, with the introduction of coursework.Producer: Phil Tinline.John investigates how coursework spread beyond school sports halls and into pupils' homes.John explores how coursework spread beyond school sports halls and into pupils' homes.

05 LAST

Practicals

20070417

2007111620101126 (R4)

John O'farrell explores the unexpected history of the different kinds of exam, and our relationship with them.In the final programme he explores Victorian medical practicals, and why semi-naked patients volunteered to let students draw lines on them.And he finds out who examines the examiners - and what happens if they get a 'D'.Producer: Phil Tinline.John explores Victorian medical practicals.He also asks who examines the examiners.John explores Victorian medical practicals and why semi-naked patients volunteered to let students draw lines on them.He also asks who examines the examiners and what happens if they fail.